808 Speaker: The Best Models in the Market

808 is among the top brands for portable speakers–and with good reason. Despite not being the biggest name in audio, 808 churns out some great products that give crisp sound and powerful bass. Of course, the audio quality is not the only thing that matters these days: Consumers want more value for their money and are looking for smart features, rugged design, and more.

Take note that the best 808 speaker is a highly subjective topic. After all, people have their own preferences and specific needs. Some may choose a model that may not provide the best bass quality but boasts other redeeming qualities such as extreme portability, Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility, and water-proof design.

How We Reviewed

Below is the top 10 list of 2019’s best 808 speakers. We have chosen the models based on key features, portability, durability, price, and of course–sound quality. We have taken our very own experiences into account, as well as customer reviews. Our goal here is to give you the most honest and accurate evaluation we can come up with.

Key features:

This small cylindrical-shaped Bluetooth speaker gives a loud sound of crisp and rich quality. It comes with an Aux-in port, 3.5 mm cable, rechargeable lithium battery that lasts an average of six hours (single charge, normal volume), and micro USB charging cable.

Pros

Several users have attested to its durability, i.e., they dropped it a couple of times and it still functioned properly. Many people have also mentioned its powerful bass despite its minute size, noting that it “hops” across a flat surface with every thumping of bass.

Cons

The turn-on sound is quite loud; a quiet little beep might be better.

Appearance:

It is a 2.36-inch (h) x 2.36-inch (l) short cylinder Bluetooth speaker that comes in glossy black, blue, and red colors. It weighs around 0.37 lbs.

Key features:

This cylindrical-shaped Bluetooth speaker gives crisp sound and a decent amount of bass. Its body lights up thanks to built-in LED lights that show six color modes, prompting the company to dub it as a “party speaker.” It comes with an aux-in port and a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts an average of six hours (single charge, normal volume).

Pros

Good song clarity, the connection is smooth and quick.

Cons

This model may not be the best for bass-heavy music. It only comes in one color (black).

Appearance:

It weighs 0.5 lb. and measures 2.52 inches wide x 4.33 inches tall. Its body is perforated with tiny hexagons that light up when turned on.

Key features:

Another lightweight, portable Bluetooth 808 speaker, this model has a built-in LED light ring that blinks in multiple modes. It has a built-in resonator that promotes rich sound and enhanced bass.

Pros

Despite being lightweight, the NRG Glo is made of a durable metal. Also, its built-in rechargeable battery can last up to 12-hours on a single charge.

Cons

The volume level could be higher; if you’re only using it in a small, quiet room, you may ignore this drawback. However, it becomes more of an issue if you play soft, soothing songs and calm instrumental sounds in bigger spaces.

Key features:

This model is arguably the cheapest 808 speaker, although its features are far from being second-rate. One of the most striking features is its size—just slightly bigger than your normal keychain—that makes it a quintessential portable speaker. Meanwhile, its rechargeable battery can last approximately six hours.

Pros

Despite its small size, it gives a decent sound quality with good bass. In fact, it carries so much bass relative to its size that it vibrates, if it doesn’t hang free.

Cons

The clip that comes with it limits your hanging options, and many users swear by the helpfulness of having a giant hair tie or aa thick cord on hand. While the company claims that the rechargeable battery lasts an average of six hours, an obnoxious voice warning “low battery” plays consistently after three hours of playing or when the power sinks below 25 percent. Even when you charge it, the incessant warning sound continues until it reaches a certain battery threshold.

Appearance:

It has an aluminum carabiner, so you can hook it on to your purse, backpack, or belt loop (or even turn this on to a keychain if you want). Meanwhile, there is only one button to operate the entire thing. This system is available in green, blue, and black. (Dimensions: 3.35 inches [w] x 2.75 inches [h] x 1.34 inches [d])

Key features:

The Bluetooth speaker has a stereo system and bass resonator to give crisp and clear sound. It also comes with single button operation, wireless control (from your computer or smartphone), and a 12-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Pros

It has a good battery life, the sound quality is great for everyday use, and it boasts a waterproof design. In fact, one verified Amazon buyer said he forgot a speaker outside his house one rainy night and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it still worked well the following morning.

Cons

Some users have mentioned that it may need a little more treble for high-pitched sounds. Compared to other 808 speakers, the TLS H20 Wireless Speaker is larger, so you may choose a smaller model if you’re looking for a travel companion.

Appearance:

It measures 4.84 inches (w) x 6.02 inches (h) x 1.93 inches (d) and weighs 1.2 lbs. It is available in both black and blue.

Key features:

It comes with rear bass resonator and two-way acoustic design for full and crisp sound. Meanwhile, it offers two power options: a rechargeable battery that can last an average of 10 hours and an AC power adapter.

Pros

Its high-quality sound is on a par with speakers that come with a higher price tag. With an excellent bass and plenty of volume, it’s ideal for small or medium-sized parties.

Cons

Can benefit more from additional treble. Some people find it to be cumbersome.

Appearance:

This speaker has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. It weighs 2.65 lbs. and measures 8.07 inches (h) x 5.4 inches (w) x 2.8 inches (d). It only comes in black.

Key features:

This waterproof Bluetooth speaker gives a decent sound thanks to its high-quality speaker system. It also comes with a silicone cabinet cover to protect it from water, dust, and other elements; the cover can even float, which makes this unit ideal for pool and beach parties. Meanwhile, its rechargeable lithium-ion battery can last approximately eight hours.

Pros

It is a good all-around small speaker that gives a decent sound.

Cons

There is a slight bit of distortion at higher volumes, which one can expect from small speakers like this one.

Appearance:

It weighs 0.68 lbs. and measures 2.52 inches (w) x 5.14 inches (h) x 2.52 inches (d). This cylindrical-shaped speaker is wrapped in a turquoise-colored silicone sheet with a honeycomb pattern that allows it to float and protects it from the elements.

Key features:

Its rugged design is geared towards adventurers and “clumsy” users who need something that is shock-resistant and splash-proof thanks to its thick rubber skin layer. It also comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery that lasts approximately eight hours.

Pros

It gives off a huge sound thanks to its dual-speaker system and bass radiator.

Cons

Sound distortion might be an issue when the volume is jacked up, which becomes more apparent when you play bass-heavy music. Another thing to keep in mind: At first glance, the XS Sport seems like a bona fide water-proof speaker, but the truth is that it's only splash-proof. This is something to keep in mind before bringing it to a pool party.

Appearance:

It weighs about a pound and measures 7.75 inches (w) x 3.3 inches (h) x 1.25 inches (d), and comes with a carabiner. It’s available in matte black and blue.

Key features:

This speaker supports Siri, Google Now, and hands-free calls and comes with a quad-speaker system with an EQ bass boost option. It also has great battery life—i.e., it can last approximately 12 hours on a full charge.

Pros

Quick Bluetooth connection, decent quality sound, and good battery life.

Cons

This speaker lacks a little bit in bass and will require a higher volume for bigger rooms. Also, the charging time may take up to three hours, which is longer compared to other speakers in the same price range.

Pros

Quick Bluetooth connection, decent quality sound, and good battery life.

Cons

This speaker lacks a little bit in bass and will require a higher volume for bigger rooms. Also, the charging time may take up to three hours, which is longer compared to other speakers in the same price range.

Key features:

It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, which allows you to access to cloud-based voice service. Alexa is a voice-command virtual assistant that gives you information (news, sports, and weather), plays music, answers your questions, lets you access an array of online music services, and allows you to control other Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices in your home.

The XL-V Smart Speaker also comes with far-field voice control that allows you to command Alexa across the room even when the music is on.

Pros

The XL-V Smart Speaker closely resembles the original Amazon Echo with a tall, aluminum-made cylinder body that has a blue ring that lights up when Alexa is speaking or listening to you.It weighs 3 lbs. and measures 6.20 inches (w) x 15.30 inches (h) x 4 inches (d). It only comes in a matte black color.

Bottom Line

The best speaker for you will depend on your lifestyle, room size, usage, and other variables. Even the sound quality boils down to personal taste, although there are general guidelines to follow, such as having a balanced tone quality and natural sound.

Even the room or space will determine if a speaker is a good fit. For instance, smaller speakers are great for regular-sized rooms, although when used outside or in bigger areas the sound may seem faded. Conversely, bigger speakers can easily overwhelm tiny spaces, especially those with higher decibel levels and a significant amount of bass. Sound responds to different materials: Thick furniture, walls, and bare floors reflect it, while cushions, carpets, and curtains absorb it.

Our pick is the HX TL Wireless 808 Speaker, thanks to it's projecting sound and great sound quality while on the move.